Sorry for the delay. So you backed up your files to the memory stick, or the whole system? Whenever I first buy a system, I always make restore DVDs. If you have not done so yet, do so. Make a full system restore DVD set. I don't remember how to do it though.

7 Answers

You can switch although you'll want to save things like pictures, documents, music, etc. as you will have to format and erase the drive before linux can be installed.

You should also make sure there aren't any windows programs you need as programs that run on windows are not compatible with linux unless that company releases a version specifically for linux in addition to the windows versions. You can usually find a linux alternative to most windows programs.

First, welcome to the world of Linux! For starters, there will be no command lines, and the install is very guided. Its very similar to a game, if you wish to compare it like that. Just point and click.

All you have to do, is burn the CD so it is bootable (just google "make linux mint cd"), and then go into your boot menu and have it boot from the CD drive. I"m not sure what it is for your laptop, but when you get the BIOS splash screen, just hit F12. Then choose the CD drive. The rest will be very guided.

I agree with Corry, I also recommend Linux mint. You can make a live DVD that lets you try the OS before you install. Linux mint is fairly easy to operate if new to Linux. I have mint 17.1 rebecca installed on a few PC's and love its looks and functionality. I used to use windows but hope to never use any windows OS again. Why pay a $100+ for an operating system when there are faster and more secure open source OS for free. Windows in my opinion is only good for gaming. Linux has finally entered into the gaming world with the steam machine. So hopefully in time they will be able to compete with Microsoft. Linux is also great because you can have your home folder on its own partition. This allows you to change or upgrade your OS and not have to copy all your pictures, videos, documents, downloads, and anything else in your home folder to the new OS. Really nice if you like trying new Linux OS.

I have two Aspire Ones, one Linux and one Windows XP. The Aspire One with Windows is a much beefier machine than the Linux-native model. The only real problem will be in getting the appropriate drivers for things like the sound card and smart card readers under Linux. If you use a lot of peripherals, take time to investigate whether those peripherals will still work after you migrate.

Linpus Linux is what shipped on the Linux native model, and to be actually useful, it must be "rooted" similar to a smartphone. Frankly, I was not impressed by it. The more robust Windows model should be able to run any version of Linux. You also can install Linux from a memory stick, thus eliminating the need for an external CD drive.

A few web searches (I used "acer one migrate from windows to linux") will give you more specific information such as:

You can try Norton ghost utility of your Linux based acer to create an image which can then be deployed in your windows acer creating the exact replica of your Linux based acer. You can also use DD command in linux to create an image. Boot Windows laptop using a bootable CD or USB and then deploy the image.

My cute little Aspire One runs Linux. I myself did not put it on there though. My friend who gave me the Computer put the Linux program on it. I hope you get Linux up and running on your computer and have a wonderful day Kevin.

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